WO2012049231A1

WO2012049231A1 - Container for transporting a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2012049231A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/067851
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sven Kohlgrüber
Original assignee: Deutsche Post Ag
Priority date: 2010-10-15
Filing date: 2011-10-13
Publication date: 2012-04-19
Also published as: EP2627591A1; DE202010015033U1; KR20140046393A; US20130284730A1; EP2627591B1; DE102010042510A1; JP6012023B2; JP2013540664A

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1) for transporting a vehicle, the container being of substantially cuboid construction with a first (30) and a second (40) end face, two longitudinal sides (50), a bottom (20) and a top (10). The problem addressed by the invention is that of producing a container (1) for transporting vehicles which is suitable for transport by air or sea freight and by land, and which requires a minimized amount of space when transported empty. The vehicle should be protected from the sight of unauthorized persons and not have to be unloaded from the container (1) even when transported in a mixed manner by land, sea and/or air. To that end, according to the invention, a container (1) is proposed, the bottom having a base element (5) opposite which a cowl (80) containing the second end face (40), the two longitudinal sides (50) and the top (10) can be displaced.

Description

CONTAINER FOR THE TRANSPORT OF A VEHICLE

Description:

The invention relates to a container for the transport of a vehicle, which is constructed substantially cuboid with a first and a second end face, two longitudinal sides, a bottom and a top.

Vehicles, especially motor vehicles, are today widely transported over partially large distances. The vehicles must be protected against damage. This is especially true when the vehicles are particularly valuable, e.g. in racing cars, classic cars, prototypes, exhibition vehicles or other rare vehicles. In addition, especially prototypes should be protected from the eyes of unauthorized persons. Therefore, such vehicles are increasingly being transported in large-capacity transport containers, so-called containers.

Containers of the type mentioned are known and standardized for example in ISO 668. These are so-called sea freight containers, which are suitable as 10 feet, 16 feet, 20 feet and 40 feet containers for the transport of eg motor vehicles and are also used. Such containers are built very robust, which, however, reflected in a high weight. Therefore, such containers are not suitable for transport via air freight. The importance of air transport of particular vehicles, as exemplified above, has been increasing lately. If a vehicle is to be transported by means of an aircraft, it must first be transported, for example, to an airport in a container of the type mentioned above and reloaded there into a suitable aircraft. For this purpose, the vehicle must be unloaded from the container and spent on a range of aircraft. This not only creates additional loading, but there is also the risk of damage again. For vehicles that need to be protected from the eyes of unauthorized persons, additional effort is required in this reloading process. Another disadvantage of such initially mentioned containers for the transport of motor vehicles consists in the fact that they have a limited inner width, which is only slightly larger than the width of many Vehicles is. This can easily cause damage to the vehicles when entering the container. Likewise, the doors of the vehicles can be damaged very easily, since they usually can not be fully opened in the container because of its limited internal width and collide when opening with the inner walls of the container. In addition, getting in and out of the vehicle loading personnel is inconvenient because of the limited ability of the vehicle doors to open. The vehicles must be secured in the containers against movement. This is usually done by backing up the vehicle wheels. This in turn is very difficult due to the small inner width of the container, especially at the side facing away from the loading opening of a vehicle loaded in a container.

EPO 319 974 A1 discloses a multipurpose container which is particularly suitable for the transportation of motor vehicles. This container has in addition to the usual loading opening in an end face in its side walls closable openings in the form of doors. If a vehicle is moved into the container so that the position of the vehicle door is aligned with that of a side door of the container, the vehicle door can be easily and completely opened with the corresponding container side door open. Also, the fixation of the retracted into the container vehicle is now easily possible. For stability reasons, it is not possible to make the side wall of the container over the entire container length so that it can be opened. Rather, columns must be provided firmly in the container wall between individual openings. Depending on the vehicle to be loaded, the vehicle doors may collide with these supports when opening. In any case, a frame is provided at the frontal loading opening of the container in the minimum case, so that the disadvantage of the risk of damage when entering the container is still given. In addition, this container has the disadvantage that it is not suitable for air transport because of its weight and dimensions.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a container for the transport of vehicles, which is suitable for transport via air freight, sea freight and land transport and minimizes the risk of damage to the transported vehicles just when loading and unloading. The vehicle should also at a mixed land, sea and / or air transport must not be unloaded from the container. The container should also have the ability to protect a transported inside his vehicle from the eyes of unauthorized persons.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a container having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the container emerge from the subclaims 2 to 17.

A component of the invention is to provide a container which is constructed substantially parallelepiped with a first and a second end side, two longitudinal sides, a bottom and a top, wherein the container has a first end side, a bottom element, containing the bottom, and a Hood, containing the second end face, the two longitudinal sides and the top, has. Preferably, the hood is arranged displaceable relative to the bottom element. The loading staff can move the hood in the direction of the loading side opposite side so that the bottom element is no longer covered by the hood at least to a large extent. Now a vehicle can be driven onto the floor element without running the risk of touching a side part of the container and thereby damaging the vehicle. The loader can open a vehicle door completely to get out without the vehicle door coming into contact with the inside wall of the container. In addition, even all the vehicle doors can be concurrently and even all the hoods of the vehicle, such as. Hood and trunk hood to be opened. Vehicles, regardless of the question of whether they are left or right-hand drive vehicles, can be driven in the same direction, eg. always forward, to be loaded. To fix the vehicle on the floor element is the loading personnel sufficient space available.

After the vehicle is fixed on the floor element, the hood can be pushed back over the floor element. After closing the first end face as a loading side of the container is closed. This container can now be spent together with the vehicle in an aircraft, a truck, train wagon or ship, or for sea or land transport in a conventional sea freight container. In an advantageous embodiment, the container has on its second end face on a support element, so that the container when lifting on its first front page, for example, with a material handling vehicle, such as a forklift, moves and can be inserted eg in a sea freight container.

The container is completely lockable. At the first end, the loading side, there is an opening which can be closed with a resealable closure element. This closure element may consist of a flap or a hinged door with one or more wings. Also other suitable closure elements, such as e.g. Folding doors or roller shutters are conceivable.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first end face as a loading side of a wall which is designed as a ramp. This ramp has a first end pivotally connected to the floor member and a second upper end. To load the container, it is pivoted outward about the pivotal connection with the floor element until it touches the floor with its upper end. A vehicle can now be transported via this ramp into the container. After loading the container and fixing the vehicle in the container, the ramp can be brought into a substantially vertical position in which it is pivoted about 90 ° about the pivotal connection with the bottom member against the first pivoting movement about the first Close the front of the container. Advantageously, the ramp can be fixed to the side walls of the container and / or the top and / or the bottom element. The ramp can be made of aluminum alloy for weight reasons. Of course, other suitable materials, e.g. Steel, conceivable. In this case, the ramp itself can form the closure element. The container can also be designed so that the ramp folded into a position substantially perpendicular to the bottom element and the container can be closed by an additional closure element.

The container can accommodate additional ramps in a further advantageous embodiment in the roof structure, which allow it as a ramp extension to load vehicles with particularly small ground clearance. The walls and the closure element of the container can be insulated in order to reduce any fluctuations in the interior climate compared to a non-insulated variant when transporting particularly sensitive vehicles. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can lead, for example, to condensation on the transported vehicle, which is undesirable or must be avoided in certain vehicles.

In a preferred embodiment, the container has a winch inside, with which vehicles can be pulled up onto the floor element and / or into the container without the vehicle having to be moved with its own engine power. Preferably, this winch is attached to the floor element. If the winch is operated manually, the container is universally applicable and not reliant on the presence of external energy when loading with winch.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container consists of profiles and sheets of an aluminum alloy. This material offers the advantage of being light and stable at the same time. However, other lightweight and stable materials, such as plastic materials or composites, are also conceivable, especially for the hood, in which case it is precisely the bottom element that can be used. Made of steel. It has proved to be advantageous to protect the bottom element against corrosion. This can, in addition to the selection of stainless materials, also be covered by any suitable anticorrosive treatments, e.g. Painting or galvanizing, done.

Further advantages, features and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figure.

Show from the pictures Fig. 1 the container with straight walls, closed hood and a

Gullwing door as a closure element in perspective view

Fig. 2 shows the container with angled walls, closed hood and a flap as a closure element in a perspective view

Fig. 3 shows the container with angled walls, opened and partially pushed back hood in a perspective view

Fig. 4 shows the container with angled and extended walls, closed hood and a flap as a closure element in a perspective view

Fig. 5 shows the container with angled walls, closed hood and a hinged door as a closure element in a perspective view

Fig. 6 shows the view of the second end face of the container with straight walls

Fig. 7 shows the detail X of Fig. 6 in an enlarged view

8 shows the section A-A from FIG. 2

Fig. 9 shows the detail L of Fig. 1 in an enlarged view

Fig. 10 shows the detail I of Fig. 1 in an enlarged view

In Fig. 1, the container (1) according to the invention in a perspective view with closed hood (80) is shown. Evident is the shot top (10) of the container. The top may be covered with a sheet or plate made of a lightweight material, such as an aluminum alloy or plastic. A planking of the upper side has the advantage that a in the container (1) located vehicle is optimally protected against damage from above acting foreign bodies such as hail or falling objects. In another embodiment, the top (10) is closed with a tarp attached between a frame. Another embodiment provides an upper side (10) open between the frame. Four eyelets (15) are attached to the top (10). A hoist for a forklift or crane can be attached to these grommets to lift the container (1). On the underside (20) on the second end face (40) of the container (1) rollers (25) are mounted, on which the container (1) can be rolled when it is raised at the first end face (30). Furthermore, two Einfahrschuhe (21) on one longitudinal side (50) of the container (1) can be seen. These entry shoes are located in the bottom element (5) of the container (1). Here, the tines of a forklift can retract and lift the container. The first end face (30), through which the container (1) can be loaded, has a reclosable opening (35) which is closed by a hinged door (37). The wings of this hinged door (37) are hinged with hinges (38) on the longitudinal sides (50) of the container (1). The door (37) has a lock (39), with which the door can be firmly closed and which can be designed as a customs seal.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the container (1) according to the invention in a perspective view with the hood (80) closed. In this embodiment, the walls of the end faces (30, 40) and the longitudinal sides (50) are bevelled in the upper region towards the center of the container. Vehicles usually have a narrower in the upper area contour than in the lower area, so that despite these slanted walls most vehicle models in the container (1) can be transported. The bevel of the container walls in the upper area has the advantage that the container of the contour of the cargo holds of aircraft, whereby more containers (1) can be transported in an aircraft. The first end face (30), through which the container (1) can be loaded, has a resealable opening (35) which is closed by a flap (36). The flap (36) is hinged on hinges (38) on the top (10) of the hood (80). The shape of the closure (36, 37) of the resealable opening (35) of the container (1) is independent of the contour of the container walls, so that corresponding embodiments can be combined as desired. which can be combined. The flap also has a lock (39), with which it can be firmly closed. This lock can be designed as a customs seal.

Fig. 3 shows the container (1) with the hood open (80) in a perspective view. The bottom element (5) of the container (1) has a loading device (29) made of a perforated plate. Shape and spacing of the holes are chosen so that easily corresponding fixation devices can be attached thereto. At the first end face (30) a ramp (31) on the bottom element (5) is pivotally mounted. The ramp (31) is folded out in Figure 2 on the floor in front of the container (1), so that a vehicle can drive on the Auffahreinrichtung (29) of the bottom element (5). Operators can open the vehicle doors wide for easy access and exit without damaging the vehicle doors. The bottom element (5) has on its longitudinal sides pulling eyelets (23), with which the container (1) in the respective means of transport, such as aircraft, ship, shipping container or truck, can be firmly lashed.

4 shows the container with extended hood (80) in the closed position and in perspective view. For hood extension, the longitudinal sides (50) and the top (10) are each designed in two parts. The parts can be separated to insert intermediate pieces (14, 54). The hood (80) can thus be extended while the bottom element (5) remains the same, in order, e.g. Vehicles with large axial body overhangs to be able to transport. In order to be able to load such vehicles without risk of being placed on with a body overhang, the ramp (31) can be extended with suitable additional elements. In an advantageous embodiment, these additional elements for transport in the roof of the hood (80) can be stowed (not shown). Even if vehicles are to be loaded with very low ground clearance, the use of such additional ramps, which are longer than the floor element (5) mounted ramp (31) are carried out, is advantageous.

In Fig. 5, the container (1) according to the invention is shown in a perspective view with geschossenener hood (80). The first end face (30) through which the container (1) can be loaded and which the resealable opening (35) is closed in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 with a two-leaf door (37). The door leaves are hinged on hinges (38) on the longitudinal sides (50) of the container (1). The door (37) also has a lock (39), with which it can be firmly closed. This lock can be designed as a customs seal.

The embodiment of the container (1) shown in FIG. 5 has a bottom element (5), in which pulling eyelets (23) are also provided on the end faces (30, 40) in addition to the longitudinal sides (50). The arrangement of the pulling eyes (23) is independent of the embodiment of the container (1) with flap (36) or hinged door (37). The hinged door (37) can also be designed as a single-leaf. Also, the closure of the resealable opening (35) of the container (1) is provided with other suitable closure elements, such as e.g. a folding door or a roll-up door, conceivable.

Fig. 6 shows the view of the second end face (40) of the container (1). The container (1) can be mounted on three double rollers (25) which are fastened to the bottom element (5) on the second end face (40) , are moved when it is raised at the first end face (30). The hood (80) can be moved on guide rollers (55) (Fig. 7) and support rollers (60) relative to the bottom element (5). The container (1) can also at the second end face (40) an additional accessibility (41), which by a suitable closure element, such as. a door or a flap can be closed, have. As a result, access to the front in the direction of this second end face (40) or to the rear of a loaded vehicle can be facilitated. This additional access option (41) can also have a lock (42), so that the container can also be designed to be firmly closable in the case of the additional access option (41).

On a frame (22) of the bottom element (5) is longitudinally a profile (28) in which a on the side part (50) fixed guide roller (55) can run. This profile (28) is shaped so that the guide roller (55) finds a footprint in the negative y-direction, is guided laterally in x and upwards in the y-direction. The guide roller is connected to the hood (80) via a frame (52) of the longitudinal sides (50). Furthermore, the hood (80) is supported on a support roller (60) from the ground. Fig. 8 is the section AA of Fig. 2 through the container (1). The underside (20) of the container (1) is equipped with loading devices (29) towards the inside of the container (1). These Auffahrvorrichtungen (29) consist of perforated plates on which fixing devices for the vehicle can be easily attached. Between the Aufnahahreinrichtungen (29), the underside (20) has a trough (27) in which, for example, fixing devices for vehicles can be transported when not in use. This tub (27) can be closed with a closure element (not shown). The underside (20) may be open between the loading devices. But it is also possible to plank the bottom in addition to the Auffahreinrichtungen or only between the Auffahreinrichtungen or otherwise, eg with a tarpaulin to shoot.

FIG. 9 is the detail L of FIG. 1. In the frame (52) of the longitudinal side is a recess (59) which receives a pin (26) located on the bottom element (5) of the container (1), when the hood (80) is closed, and the hood (80) secures against being lifted when closed. Also at the end faces (30, 40) are pulling eyes (23) for securing the container (1) in a means of transport such as an airplane, a ship, a shipping container or a truck.

FIG. 10 is the detail I of FIG. 1. The hood (80) is locked in the closed state via a securing bolt (70) relative to the bottom element (5). The locking bolt (70) is secured by a bolt (71) against unintentional loosening.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

I container

5 floor element

10 top

I I crane eyelets

13 planking

14 intermediate piece

20 bottom

21 retractable shoe

22 frames

23 pulling eye

25 roll

26 cones

27 tub

28 profile

29 Auffahrinrichtung

30 first end face

31 ramp

35 resealable opening

36 flap

37 hinged door

38 hinge

39 Castle

40 second end face

41 additional access

42 Castle

50 long side

52 frames

54 intermediate piece

55 leadership role

59 recess

60 support roller Lock bolt bolt

Hood

Claims

claims

1 . Container (1) for the transport of a vehicle, which is essentially cuboid with a first (30) and a second (40) end face, two longitudinal sides (50), a bottom (20) and a top (10) is constructed,

characterized in that

the container (1) has a first end face (30), a bottom element (5) which includes the underside (20), and a hood (80) movable relative to the bottom element, the at least the second end face (40), the two longitudinal sides (50) and the top (10) includes.

2. Container (1) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the hood (80) on the second (40), the first end face (30) facing away from the end, supporting rollers (60) which extend to the lower edge of the underside (20) of the container (1), and on both longitudinal sides (50) Guide rollers (55) which can roll on the bottom element (5) of the container (1), so that the hood on these support rollers (60) and guide rollers (55) relative to the bottom element (5) can be moved.

3. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

the hood (80) is locked to the floor element (5) via a locking element (70) so that it can not be lifted off the floor element (5).

4. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the hood (80) in the closed state by means of a in a recess (29) projecting into the pin (26) relative to the bottom element (5) can be locked.

5. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

at the first end face (30) with the bottom element (5) of the container (1) pivotally connected ramp (31) which can be pivoted on the one hand in the container (1) that they are substantially perpendicular to the bottom ( 20) can be locked, and on the other hand can be pivoted outwards so that it can serve as Auffahrrampe (31) for the bottom element (5).

6. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

at the first end face (30) of the container (1) with a closure element (31, 36, 37) resealable opening (35) is located.

7. Container (1) according to claim 6,

characterized in that

the resealable opening (35) can be closed with a flap (36) which can be swung upwards as a closure element.

8. Container (1) according to claim 6,

characterized in that

the resealable opening (36) can be closed with a hinged door (37) as a closure element.

9. Container (1) according to claim 6

characterized in that

the resealable opening (35) with the ramp (31) can be closed as a closure element.

10. Container (1) according to one or more of claims 5 to 9,

characterized in that

on the closure element (31, 36, 37) of the resealable opening (35) Zollverschlussmöglichkeiten are provided.

1 1. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the bottom element (5) has a perforated lifting device (29) suitable for driving on a vehicle, so that a vehicle can be locked to the lifting device (29).

12. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the bottom element (5) on the second end face (40) has a support element (25) on which the container (1) can be moved when lifted on the first end face (30).

13. Container (1) according to claim 12,

characterized in that

that the support element (25) is designed to be rotatable about itself.

14. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the bottom element (5) has on one longitudinal side a drive-in shoe (21) for a load-bearing element of a material handling vehicle.

15. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

on the top (10) of the container (1) crane lugs (1 1) are arranged, on which the container (1) can be raised.

16. Container (1) according to one of claims 6 to 15,

characterized in that

Insert intermediate elements (14, 54) for the upper side (10) and the longitudinal sides (50) between the upper side (10) and the longitudinal sides (50) or attach them to the upper side (10) and the longitudinal sides (50) in that the hood (80) is extendible in the longitudinal direction.

17. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the container (1) contains elements of an aluminum alloy.